What is type 2 diabetes?

This is the most common form of diabetes affecting 85 – 90% of all people with diabetes. While it usually affects mature adults, younger people and children can also develop type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Type 2 diabetes is predominantly a lifestyle disease and has a strong link with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insufficient physical activity and the classic 'apple shape' where extra weight is carried around the waist.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the beta cells in the pancreas still function and produce insulin but this insulin is not working effectively (this is often called insulin resistance). The effect is a rise in blood glucose levels. Symptoms may not be obvious and type 2 can often be diagnosed through other medical conditions or investigations. In type 2 diabetes, many people have no symptoms at all, while other signs can go unnoticed are mistaken as part of “getting older".

Common symptoms include: increased thirst, frequent urination, feeling tired and lethargic, always feeling hungry, having cuts that heal slowly, itching, skin infections, blurred vision, gradually putting on weight, mood swings, headaches, feeling dizzy and leg cramps. If you have any of these symptoms you should discuss them with your doctor.

To manage type 2 diabetes a healthy eating plan and physical activity are important. However, it is important to realise that diabetes is a progressive disease and over time tablets and/or insulin may be required to keep blood glucose levels within the normal ranges. It is important to take tablets/insulin as recommended by your Doctor so that the risk of diabetic complications are reduced.

What does it mean for someone diagnosed with type 2 diabetes?

If you have just been diagnosed or someone you care for has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it is perfectly natural to be experiencing a range of emotions.

Diabetes cannot be cured but it can be controlled.

Trying to balance all the requirements of diabetes treatment can be a challenge. The good news is that having diabetes will not prevent you from living a normal life. Diabetes is about self management and in order to achieve this it is important to find the information to allow you to make the best choices for your health. Diabetes management requires a long term commitment to good health through support and ongoing review with a diabetes health care team. You are the most important member of the team and you need to have a good understanding of diabetes and know how you can make informed choices relating to lifestyle and treatment options.

Educating and updating your knowledge of diabetes allows you to make better decisions about your health.There are many people who can help you to understand and manage your condition.

While you will manage your diabetes day by day, there will be times when you will need help from a larger team. Your diabetes team may include a Doctor, Diabetes Educator, Dietitian, Endocrinologist, Podiatrist, Optometrist / Ophthalmologist, Dentist, Exercise Physiologist and other Allied Health Professionals. It is important to find a good team of people who can support you with managing your diabetes.

What to do now?

Diabetes SA has a range of type 2 education programs and support services available to support you with your journey with diabetes.

Diabetes SA will help you take steps to learn what you need to know so that you can independently manage diabetes whilst keeping a close team of Health Professionals on hand to guide you.

Please have a look at our calendar to find an education program to suit your needs.

Contact us

At Diabetes SA we have a team of Health Care Professionals that may be able to assist you with managing your diabetes. Our Health Care Team is available from 9am to 4pm (Monday to Friday) to answer your questions either by telephone or by arranging a 1-on-1 Consultation.

Diabetes SA members can book a 30 minute appointment to see one of our Diabetes Educators or Dietitian. Please fill out the booking form or call Diabetes SA on 1300 136 588 to arrange your appointment.